As the girls’ lacrosse season begins, Lambert junior Hayden Harris is gearing up for a competitive year. Her drive for a great season is fueled by her passion for the game — something that runs in the family.
“I first got into lacrosse because my older brother played,” Harris shared. “I thought it looked fun, and wanted to try it out for myself.”
Her favorite part of the sport is playing defense, because it offers a unique way to release her aggression on the field.
“It’s a position where you get to make big plays and stop the other team from scoring,” Harris said. “I love the challenge it brings.”
When it comes to training, she is dedicated to improving both with her team and individually. They practice everyday for two hours unless its a game day.
“With the team, we focus on strategies, running drills and scrimmaging,” Harris explained. “Personally, I make sure to work on my footwork and conditioning so I’m always ready for the game.”
Balancing school, sports and other activities requires careful planning. Harris uses time management to help her reach her full potential as a student-athlete.
“I try to keep my grades up in the fall so that when spring comes, I can focus more on lacrosse,” Harris said. “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, but it’s all about prioritizing what’s most important each day.”
For this upcoming season, Harris is excited about the new team and how their chemistry builds on the field through bonding.
“We have a lot of talent, and I have high hopes that we can go far in the playoffs,” Harris shared. “I’m also looking forward to our pregame pasta parties — they’re a fun tradition.”
As she looks into the season, she has ambitious goals for herself and the team.
“As a team, my goal is to make it to state this year,” Harris said. “For me personally, I want to cause a lot of turnovers and make a real difference on the field.”
Mental preparation for big games is crucial, and Harris has a solid routine that sets her up for success.
“I always listen to my pregame playlist and watch a lot of film,” Harris explained. “It helps me get in the right mindset and focus on what I need to do.”
Harris has words of advice for underclassmen who are interested in the sport and has advice.
”You learn so much from lacrosse and you develop friendships with your teammates that last a lifetime,” Harris said. “They become your ride-or-die people.”
For Harris, the unique camaraderie and competitive spirit are what make being part of the team so special.
”My favorite part is the competitive aspect but also doing it with my friends,” Harris explained. “The atmosphere on the field is something unique, and you make the best memories with your teammates.”
As the season progresses, Hayden Harris is ready to tackle new challenges, give her all on the field and create lasting memories with her teammates. With her dedication and love for the sport, it is clear she has a bright future ahead in both lacrosse and beyond.
